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The preliminary work being complete, everything was ready
for the reception of the first party of 190 boys from the southern
schools on Thursday, 23rd July, and what a reception it was. A
most unpromising morning changed to a doubtful afternoon, but
luckily the rain held off until the boys were almost in camp. This,
however, failed to damp the spirits of the boys, for inside the
marquee was dry, and a good tea was awaiting their attention.
Except for a slight delay, the evening's work of settling down
received very little interference.
During the succeeding fortnight the weather was not by any
means on its best behaviour, although only on two days during
this time did it rain for more than a short time. On such days
the usual custom of clearing the marquee for games was followed,
more to the delight of the boys than the staff. Judging by the
bronzed and healthy appearance of these lads when they left camp
on 6th August, one would have thought that ample sunshine had
been their portion.
The second party of 180 boys from the northern schools was
taken to Shoeburyness on the afternoon of 6th August, and except
for one night of very heavy rain, the clerk of the weather was
very kind to them.
During the past four years, considerable improvements have
been made in the camp menu, several new items being included
this year—fried fish fillets for Friday lunch being the most popular.
As some failures are almost certain when introducing such
changes, it has been my aim to make them gradually, rather than
make wholesale changes in any one year. In my opinion this
policy has been amply justified by results, for general ideas as to
what is good for boys and what they will eat do not always
coincide.
The hot and cold shower baths are no longer considered a
luxury, for they have become almost a necessary part of camp
life. Every boy pays a daily visit to the baths, and the problem
of personal cleanliness has almost ceased to exist. The plentiful
supply of hot water has also reduced the drudgery of "washing
up" to an absolute minimum. I would venture to suggest that in
very few camps of this size would one find the necessary fatigues
so light.
As for the various activities organised for the benefit of the
boys in camp, little can be added to the reports of previous years.
Cricket and football, rounders and camp golf, sea-bathing and
mud-walks, have this year been supplemented by baseball. The
loan of equipment from the Baseball Association was much
appreciated, and the exhibitions of the game by players from the
West Ham Stadium were thoroughly enjoyed by both parties of
boys. After supper recreation was provided in the form of alternate
story reading and a sing-song, and both were very popular.
Towards the end of each fortnight competitions, serious and
otherwise, were arranged; and the excellent prizes awarded to
the winners were a tribute to the work of our Canteen Manager.
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